Mark Pope and his staff have built what might be the deepest Kentucky basketball roster in a decade—and maybe the most talented in the country heading into the 2025–26 season.
On paper, this team is loaded. Depth, versatility, and high-end skill fill all 14 scholarship spots. While it remains to be seen exactly how Pope will deploy his personnel, one thing is clear: Kentucky has the tools to play a variety of styles, and the competition for minutes will be fierce.
So, before the first exhibition tip, here's how we rank the Wildcats' roster—14 through 1—based on projected impact, readiness, and upside.
14. Malachi Moreno – Center
Moreno has long-term star potential, but right now, his slight frame and inexperience will likely keep him in a developmental role. As the season progresses, he could earn spot minutes—especially if he adds strength and adjusts to the college speed.
13. Reece Potter – Center
A true stretch big with a sweet shooting touch. Potter’s challenge will be keeping up defensively, particularly against quicker, smaller centers. For now, he’s a specialty piece—but one who could carve out a niche.
12. Braydon Hawthorne – Guard
Hawthorne is raw but talented. His tools are impressive, but like many freshmen, he’ll need time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the college game. Expect a more noticeable impact later in the season.
11. Jasper Johnson – Guard
Johnson is a spark plug—think of him as a microwave scorer in the mold of Rob Dillingham. While his role may be limited early, his scoring ability could make him a game-changer in specific matchups or when Kentucky needs a scoring jolt off the bench.
10. Andrija Jelavic – Forward
The international product brings pro experience and a high basketball IQ. His transition to the SEC will take time, particularly adjusting to the physicality. But long-term, he has the tools to be a significant contributor—perhaps even a breakout player by next year.
9. Kamari Williams – Wing
Williams is a utility player with real star potential. His versatility is an asset, but he lands here because of the sheer depth ahead of him. In most years, he’d be a starter. On this roster, he’s a wild card with big upside.
8. Collin Chandler – Guard
Chandler showed flashes last season and is poised for a major step forward. His athleticism and defense give him a strong foundation. If he improves his consistency and confidence, he’ll be hard to keep off the floor.
7. Trent Noah – Forward
Noah is the classic glue guy. He rebounds, makes smart passes, and spaces the floor. His development from year one to year two will be fun to track. He’s the kind of player who makes winning plays without demanding the spotlight.
6. Brandon Garrison – Forward/Center
A potential NBA lottery pick, Garrison has the physical tools and touch around the rim. What he needs is consistency. If he rebounds at a higher rate and plays more under control, he could become a centerpiece for this team.
Top 5 Wildcats for 2025
5. Mouhamed Dioubate – Forward
The Alabama transfer brings experience, energy, and a Final Four pedigree. His motor on both ends of the floor will make him one of Pope’s most trusted pieces, especially when things get physical.
4. Denzel Aberdeen – Guard
Aberdeen has patiently waited for a larger role, and this season he’ll get it. With increased minutes and trust from the staff, he’s in line to make a substantial leap. Expect him to be one of the more efficient guards in the SEC.
3. Jaland Lowe – Guard
Lowe might be Kentucky’s most complete backcourt player. He defends, facilitates, and can score at all three levels. With improved shot quality thanks to more talent around him, his first year at Kentucky could be eye-opening.
2. Otega Oweh – Wing
A physically gifted wing who can attack, defend, and finish. But last season, his off-ball defense—particularly backdoor lapses—was an issue. If he tightens that up, he’ll be a two-way force.
1. Jayden Quaintance – Forward/Center
The most complete impact player on the roster right now. Quaintance is an elite rebounder, rim protector, and passer with guard-like footwork for a big. His only true weakness? Outside shooting and free throw touch. If he’s healthy, he’ll be the anchor on both ends.
Final thoughts
You might disagree with the top three—and that’s perfectly fine. If you have Oweh or Lowe ahead of Quaintance, there’s a case to be made. But for me, Quaintance edges them out for his elite two-way presence and potential to dominate games without needing touches.
The wildcard, as always, is health. If this team stays intact, Mark Pope will have the flexibility and talent to compete with anyone in the country.
Bookmark this page, come back after the exhibition games, and let’s see who rises or falls. One thing’s certain: this roster is built to make noise.